A special event titled “Volunteer and Military Appreciation Dinner” took place in Norridge, Illinois, organized by the charitable organization Protez Foundation. The gathering brought together volunteers, parish members, and donors from across the United States to express gratitude to all those supporting Ukrainian soldiers who lost limbs as a result of russia’s war.
This was reported by Protez Foundation.
According to Protez Foundation, the event was hosted at St. Joseph the Betrothed Parish and attended by Ukrainian clergy, co-founders Yuriy Aroshidze and Yakov Gradynar, volunteers, veterans, and partner organizations.
Serhiy Koledov, Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago, addressed the guests, thanking the foundation’s team for their tireless work in assisting Ukrainian defenders and wishing them continued success in their mission.
During the dinner, patients and team members shared words of gratitude and stories of recovery made possible by the foundation’s volunteers. Guests reflected on key moments of the year and the collective efforts contributing to the Protez Foundation’s mission — restoring mobility, hope, and independence to hundreds of Ukrainians.
The event was also joined by members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Patronage Church, which has been a long-time supporter of the foundation.
The event was also joined by members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Patronage Church, which has been a long-time supporter of the foundation. “Our parish has joined numerous churches, organizations, and volunteers in supporting Protez Foundation’s important mission of providing prosthetics to Ukrainian soldiers. We are deeply grateful for this well-organized and spiritual event that united people from across the U.S. We also appreciate the recognition we received — noted it is a great honor to be part of this cause,” said parish representative Anatolii Basarab.
Background
Founded in 2022, Protez Foundation helps Ukrainian military personnel and civilians who lost limbs during the war receive modern prosthetics and complete rehabilitation in the United States. The organization operates through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, donors, and partners who support its humanitarian mission.
From May 2022 to October 2025, the foundation has fitted over 1,005 patients with prosthetic limbs, producing more than 2,052 prostheses. Three specialized clinics have been established to provide medical care and rehabilitation for military and civilian patients.
A key part of the foundation’s mission is training specialists — over 100 professionals have been trained, including orthopedic doctors, prosthetic technicians, and rehabilitation experts.
In total, over $12.4 million has been spent on humanitarian aid programs, helping to build a sustainable system of prosthetics and rehabilitation in Ukraine. The foundation continues its mission to restore dignity and independence to every Ukrainian who has suffered limb loss — a need that affects an estimated 59,000 people nationwide.
Photo: Peter Koutun.
Author: Danylo Pievchev